Making Relocation Affordable: Moving Out of State

Moving is expensive. Even if you move across town, you can pay several hundred or even several thousand dollars, depending on how much you have to move and whether you have items that need special handling. Add to the cost of movers the deposit for your utilities, security deposit for your apartment, or closing costs on your new home, and you looking at spending quite a bit of money.

Moving out of state is even more expensive. The cost of hiring movers goes up, and you have to pay for things like moving your car, staying at hotels along the way, and housing pets along your move. With a little planning and some smart choices, you can save big on your out-of-state move. Here are a few things you can do to make relocation affordable:

Get Rid of as Much as You Can

The moving cost on zero items is zero dollars. Obviously, you aren’t going to get rid of everything you own. However, the more you can eliminate, the more you can save on moving costs. And remember that out-of-state moving costs are compounded, so you can save significantly more even by eliminating fewer items than if you were moving in town.

We all carry around items we no longer really need. Get rid of all those items that are just collecting dust or waiting for a “just in case.” Have a garage sale to help with the cost of moving, or give the items away to worthy causes.

You should also evaluate the cost of moving the items compared to the cost of replacing the items. In some cases, you would be better off buying new furniture once you get to your new home than you would paying to have the furniture moved. Take a hard look at the numbers and cut your belongings down as much as you can.

Get Several Moving Quotes

out-of-state movers offer free quotes for the cost of your move. Get as many free quotes as you can to find the best deal available. It costs you nothing to get the quote, but the effort you put in could help you save hundreds of dollars.

You may even be able to negotiate a lower price by comparison shopping. If you find a lower quote with one company but prefer to hire another, you can call the preferred out-of-state relocation moving company and tell them about the lower quote you got. Ask the company if they can beat the quote. Most will offer you a slightly lower price to win your business. Be prepared to show proof of the lower quote. You can’t just bluff your way through this negotiation!

Consider DIY Options

Often, renting a truck or trailer or getting a portable moving container will cost less than hiring long-distance movers. That’s because you will be doing all the packing and loading yourself. If you’re willing to put in some sweat equity, you can save a lot of money.

Just make sure that you’re evaluating the true cost of this method. When you get a truck or a portable moving container, you will have to pay for your own fuel, all highway tolls, and some significant taxes. You’ll also be putting yourself at risk since if you have an accident, you will have to pay to replace all your belongings and you’ll be liable to damages caused to others involved in the accident. Out-of-state movers have insurance that cover all liability in case of an accident.

Move in the Off Season

If you have some control over when you move, put it off until the off season, which is typically from late fall to about late spring. You won’t have as much competition for hiring long-distance movers or for renting a truck, so you’ll enjoy more affordable rates.

Basically, any time that kids are in school, you’ll have less competition for your move. Try to schedule your move during these times if you can.

Get Moving Supplies for Free

You can find many moving supplies for free. You won’t be able to get the moving truck for free, but you can certainly find boxes, packing materials, and furniture protectors for free. When people are done with their move and have finished unpacking, they typically throw these items out or give them away for free. Check sites like Craig’s list or Freecycle to find these items when people are done.

You can also visit stores to get their boxes when they are done unpacking new merchandise. Most stores break these boxes down quickly, so make sure you visit around the same time they get in new stock. Just ask the store what days are best.

Book Lodging Strategically

You might be able to get to your new state in a day’s drive, or you might have to stop along the way and stay overnight. Hotel stays can add to your moving bill significantly. You can save a lot of money by shopping around for hotels online and finding the best deals possible. Use discounts like AAA or frequent flyer miles to help you knock even more off the price.

It’s better to look for hotels in mid-size cities rather than huge metropolitan centers. You’ll save a lot on lodging since the city isn’t as popular with tourists. Also look for hotels that aren’t right on the highway exit. Those cater to travelers who haven’t planned ahead (not you!).
Moving out of state can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to use up every bit of your budget. Use these tips to help you save on everything from out-of-state movers to your packing supplies.